Social Media Tips: Creating A Corporate Blog That Works

When we talk of social media, the first three things that come to mind are Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. However, there is one often overlooked social media tool that becomes untapped because of increasing focus on the three aforementioned social media marketing networks. We are talking about blogs. Blogs (or web logs, in its long form) have been around for quite some time now, even before the boom of Facebook. With the “fast paced” communication of today’s social networking sites, blogs can indeed be easily left behind in a social media marketing campaign. But if used wisely and creatively, a corporate blog can also work as much wonders as a well-maintained company Facebook and Twitter accounts can.

Here are some tips for creating a corporate blog that works.

1. Focus on making it a great blog. Sometimes, it is hard to find a balance between creative and corporate content. When it comes to corporate blogging, just keep it creative. You have all the space to be corporate and business-like on your company website. On your blog, keep it light and interesting.

2. Have everyone pitch in. Do not dump the entire writing task on the PR or marketing person. Make it a company effort. In this way, your company blog is able to speak to different customer groups through the different voices in your company. It also keeps the blog dynamic. Writing for a blog need not be a tedious task. It can be like an online diary for your colleagues, only it is not all personal.

3. Write about something else. Do not just write about the business. Social media is all about giving customers added value through information and communication. However, do not go too far off the field either. Write about something else other than your company but make sure it is still somewhat related to your business.

4. Remember that blogging is not about marketing. Okay, maybe it is. But a great and effective blog does not focus on marketing the company but more on communicating with the customers. If you succeed in doing the latter, then your blog will do the marketing for you, without you even trying.

5. Encourage customer interaction by asking questions (smart ones) and finding time to quickly respond to comments or feedback, which is an essential part of blogging and maintaining a blog.

Word of caution: If, as an e-commerce merchant, you do not think you can follow these guidelines, hold off on the blog for now. An ill-written blog can do your business more harm than good. Focus on other forms of social media marketing and once you are ready to get your creative juices flowing, then you can start creating your corporate blog.

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